Cadillac BLS Wagon (08 on) - Review

Review by Simon Harris on
Last Updated: 05 November 2008
Cadillac relied on Saab engineering to produce its smallest model, the BLS. Based on the Saab 9-3 Sportwagon (and built in the same plant) the BLS Wagon arrived a couple of years after its saloon counterpart and is Cadillac's first ever estate car. At the time of the Wagon's launch, Cadillac's presence in the UK had reduced to just five dealers with three additional approved repairers, so brand and product awareness is a major challenge. However, the BLS Wagon is a competent car, if a little short on carrying capacity compared with some rivals.
3.5 out of 5

Other Cadillac reviews

2.5 out of 5

Running costs

The fact that diesel models are no more expensive than petrol models, and the Wagon is the same price as the saloon, means the BLS is pretty good value. However with a handful of dealers, you may have to travel when it comes to servicing or repairs. Insurance ratings are quite high too - between group 15 and 17 but the diesel models are frugal.

* based on most recent data

Estimated fuel cost for 10,000 miles per year

Unleaded

£1,805 - £2,557 *

Diesel

£1,364 - £1,644 *

The estimated fuel cost figure is a guide to how much this model will cost to fuel each year, so you can compare between cars. It's calculated by using the model's average mpg (calculated from both town centre and motorway driving) and the average fuel price. It's based on the following cost-per-litre: petrol 135p and diesel 141p. Prices are updated daily.

Summary Running Costs

Servicing period

12 months/10,000 miles.

Warranty

Three years/60,000 miles.

Road tax (12 months)

£170.00 - £475.00

Vehicle excise duty (VED) varies according to the CO2 emissions and the fuel type of the vehicle. For cars registered after March 1st 2001 VED or road tax is based on the car's CO2 emissions. For cars registered before March 1st 2001 it is based on engine size.

Full running costs data

2.5 out of 5

Green credentials

  • A
  • B
  • C
  • D
  • E
  • F
  • G
    156
  • H
  • I
  • J
  • K
  • L
  • M
    274

CO2 emission figure (g/km)

Fuel economy rating

The arrows indicate the best and worst CO2 bands for this model.

Emissions summary

The more powerful 1.9-litre diesel is actually the cleanest engine in the BLS Wagon line-up and can return 48mpg while emitting 156g/km of CO2. Cadillac also offers a petrol engine that can run on up to 85% bioethanol - fuel made from crops which offset the carbon dioxide emissions vehicles produce as they grow - although the network of filling stations in the UK where bioethanol is available is very small.

Find the exact engine and CO2